He's actually trembling in my arms. Just like it's really him. Just like that day, I think it was nearly fifteen years ago now, when I yelled at him long enough to get him to admit to the bad news he'd received from home.

(I think that was the first day I'd worked with Doctor Banno, which only reinforced that for all Jin's annoying habits, there are far worse.)

I rub his back reflexively, rest my cheek against his hair. Even though he can't feel it. Not really.

His lips are warm on my skin.

...I freeze.

A short, pained laugh.

"I love you, too. Damn you."